Party season dressing just got a lot more romantic. On October 28, British brand Monsoon launched a collaboration with Queens of Archive, the independent British label known for vintage-inspired prints and occasionwear, with a following that includes Alexa Chung, Lily Allen and Holly Willoughby. The 32-piece collection is in Monsoon stores and online now, and it covers women's and children's clothes.
Two brands, one mood
On paper this is an easy match. Monsoon has always been the high street name for embroidery, embellishment and bohemian party dresses, while Queens of Archive is all about bold vintage prints and pieces that feel special. Monsoon describes the collaboration as its "intricate detailing" meeting Queens of Archive's "vintage-inspired eye for print and occasionwear," and the result is a collection the brands call "bold yet delicate, nostalgic yet made for right now."
In practice, that means leopard print, metallic jacquard, velvet, lace and a lot of pink. It is a welcome counterpoint to the very minimal, very beige direction so many fall collections have taken. These pieces are meant to be worn to something.
What's in it
The women's edit includes 11 dresses, four blouses, two knits, two coats and a vintage-style lace and sequin cape. Prices start at around £75 for a cardigan and run to £225 for the most expensive dress.
A few pieces stand out. The Camilla short leopard-print faux fur coat, with a dusty pink faux fur collar and cuffs, is the statement buy, at around £200. The Farrah metallic star jacquard dress comes in maxi and mini lengths, with the mini at £140, and it is the easiest route to New Year's Eve. The Lila tie-neck leopard-print blouse, at £85, is the workhorse: wear it with jeans now and with a velvet skirt at the office party. There is also the Kate long embroidered velvet jacket at around £200, which could take you through every holiday dinner on the calendar.
The children's side runs from a £20 bag to an £85 coat, which makes it easy to coordinate without fully matching, if you are dressing a little one for the holidays too.
How to wear it without looking costume-y
Pick one statement piece and let it do the work. Put the lace cape over straight-leg jeans and a plain knit for daytime. Wear the leopard coat over all black. Take the Farrah mini and add opaque tights and a chunky boot for a drinks party, then switch to heels for the big night. The leopard blouse is the one piece you will reach for long after the holidays are over.
Where to shop
The collection is on monsoon.co.uk and in Monsoon stores. If you are outside the UK, check shipping before you get attached. Monsoon's magazine feature has more on the collaboration, and you can see more of the label's own designs at Queens of Archive.
